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Details of how to book are contained in the newsletter sent to members.
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Friday 26 Mar 2010 |
CROOME COURT AND PARK, WORCESTERSHIRE Croome Court, an 18th century mansion house, mostly by Robert Adam and James Wyatt, was opened to visitors for the first time in September 2009. The Parkland, where Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown proved his potential as an architect and a landscape gardener and established a new style of garden design, has been owned by the NT since 1996. The recent acquisition of the Court gives visitors the opportunity to see the stunning views, crafted by Brown, from the windows of the house. Visitors are able to soak up the atmosphere of six of the ground floor rooms in the mansion (all displayed empty), including the Long Gallery created by Robert Adam, and the Saloon where the 6th Earl of Coventry entertained King George III, and are invited to experience the sounds, images and objects that bring the story of Croome to life. During the war the RAF requisitioned Croome Park and the 1940’s buildings have been restored to house new visitor facilities, including a shop, exhibition of poignant wartime photographs and a 1940’s style canteen (tea shop) where refreshments will be available throughout our visit. There is a 10 -15 minute walk from Reception to the Court but a shuttle service is available for members with mobility problems. There is also a personal individual vehicle available for exploring the Park which can be requested at time of booking. |
RLB Depart Riverside Coach Station 9.00am. Leave Croome 4.00pm. ETA Bath 6.30pm |
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Tuesday 13 Apr 2010 |
VAN GOGH EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY, PICCADILLY |
RLB Depart Riverside Coach Station 8.45am. |
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Wednesday 28 Apr 2010 |
ARUNDEL AND REPLICA OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL The seats of the Dukes of Norfolk are set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds, Arundel Castle is one of the great treasure houses of England and is home to priceless works of art. Come and see paintings and furniture, tapestries and stained glass, china and clocks, sculptures and carvings, heraldry and armour in stunning room settings. There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, built at the end of the first century by Roger de Montgomery. We are going to have a coffee break on the way and visit the castle on arrival, then have free time to explore this beautiful medieval town with its unusual shops, cosy cafes and restaurants and variety of historic buildings. We will then travel to nearby Goring-by-Sea, to visit the reproduction of the Sistine Chapel. Only two Sistine Chapel ceilings exist in the world, One was painted in 1508 by Michelangelo Buonarroti in Vatican City, the second was painted in 1988 by Gary Bevans in the English Martyrs Church. He began work after a pilgrimage to Rome when he was only 33 years old. It took him 5 years to complete single handedly this unique undertaking. Today it remains the only full sized copy in the world, with the advantage that it is 30ft. nearer to the ground than the original. The ceiling in its entirety can only be truly appreciated by standing beneath it in real life. |
RLB Depart Riverside Coach Station 8.00am. ETA Bath 7.00pm |
| 21 to 27 June 2010 |
BERLIN AND DRESDEN |
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Key to pick-up points: R=Riverside Coach Park; L=Laura Place; B=Balustrade; F=Forester Road.